New Delhi: The use of contraceptives declined by nearly 3% in the last 10 years, the latest health survey conducted by the government across the country has shown.

However, the decrease in contraceptive prevalence does not add up with other indicators in the space like decline in the total fertility rate and increased awareness about use of contraceptives. The data also showed an increasing trend in use of pills and condoms.

According to the fourth National Family Health Survey, which covered 6 lakh households, prevalence of contraceptives dropped from 56.3% in 2005-06 to 53.5% in 2014-15. While the use of modern methods also declined marginally, the decline was mainly triggered by a drop in the sterilisation rate.

Male sterilisation, already low, dropped from 1% to 0.3% between NFHS-3 and NFHS-4. Moreover, rate of female sterilisation also witnessed a decline from 37.3% to 36%. Use of modern methods dropped from 48.5% to 47.8% during the period.

Health ministry officials said the "incongruous" data was mainly because of socio-cultural reasons. "People often hesitate to answer questions related to use of contraceptives. We do not get correct responses and often silence is taken for negative. We agree that the data is incongruous," an official said. Health secretary C K Mishra said, "The health ministry will conduct a detailed study to assess the situation so that it can take immediate steps if required."

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